GUWAHATI, Jan 28 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today underlined the role of media in bringing about social reformation and said that the other three pillars of democracy cannot go near the people without the fourth one.
�The fourth pillar of democracy has been successful in generating awareness and creating a stronger society. If the fourth pillar of democracy is left out, the other three pillars cannot go near the people. If we want to bring about significant changes in the society, the role of media is very vital,� Sonowal said, addressing the diamond jubilee celebration of the Assam Tribune Employees Union (ATEU).
He also underscored the role of media in creating brotherhood and harmony in the society and said for successful implementation of government schemes, awareness created by media about them is important.
�When media is sensitive to the rights of the people, the government will work cautiously. One write-up can influence the perspective of the people,� Sonowal said.
He lauded the Assam Tribune Group for creating a separate identity for itself in the country due to its credibility and appreciated the journalists and employees for their contribution. �Each publication of the group has made significant contribution to the society,� he said.
Asserting that �nothing is impossible for the media�, the Chief Minister said the media also has a role to play in creating fear and devotion towards the society.
The Chief Minister also recalled the contribution of the Assam Tribune Group founder RG Baruah in taking forward the society, which, he said, would be remembered by progenies and continue to inspire the youth for generations to come.
Sonowal also assured to look into the grievances of media employees, including those related to pension and other social securities, raised by ATEU general secretary Dugdha Ram Kalita during his speech. �The government will discuss with the employees� associations and take a decision,� he said.
ATEU president Siva Prasad Deka, treasurer of All India Newspaper Employees Federation Roop Chand, and State unit CITU general secretary Tapan Sarma also spoke on the occasion.
A minute�s silence was observed at the beginning of the programme as a mark of respect to two employees of the group Falguni Barman and Manabendra Bhattacharyya.
Earlier during the day, a procession was taken out by the members of the union, which was followed by an interactive session with newspaper hawkers.
The two-day-long celebrations concluded with the Bishnu Prasad Rabha memorial cultural programme.
